WFP helps transport COVID-19 vaccine donated by China to Timor-Leste
Dili– A United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) chartered flight carrying Sinovac vaccines from Beijing arrived today in Dili. The vaccinations were donated by the Chinese Government in support of the COVID-19 response in Timor-Leste.
Vice Prime Minister Armanda Berta dos Santos, Foreign Minister Adaljiza Albertina Xavier Reis Magno, Health Minister Odete Maria Belo, Chinese Ambassador Dr. Xiao Jianguo, and WFP Country Director Dageng Liu were present at the handover ceremony at the Dili Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport.
“We want to thank the Chinese Government for their generous contribution. This support comes at a critical time as the country is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 infections,” said Health Minister Odete Maria Belo. “I also want to thank WFP for providing much needed logistics support to bring the vaccines and other essential supplies into our country,” she added.
The 100,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines were handed over by Chinese Ambassador Dr. Xiao Jianguo to the Minister of Health, the lead Government body overseeing the vaccination drive.
“No single country can address the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic alone. At this critical time, China stands in solidarity with Timor-Leste,” said Chinese Ambassador Dr. Xiao Jianguo.
“Since June 2020, we have been bringing vital supplies and health personnel to the COVID frontlines on behalf of the Government and the international community. And we are pleased to continue making such a contribution,” said WFP Country Director Dageng Liu.
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